12/17/2010 5:00:20 PM[Image flickrUrl="http://www.flickr.com/photos/insidemdsports/5129828623/" url="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1223/5129828623_f58f08dc5b.jpg" align="Left" caption="I made this program relevant again and this is how you treat me" credit="Inside Maryland Sports" width="438" height="500" ]

CSN's Chick Hernandez, wrote the following on Twitter this evening:

"Stunning news Ralph Friedgen I have confirmed is being asked to (forced to) take a buyout from the school effectively ending his tenure as HC of the Terps!"

Given Franklin's departure, this is shocking news. One can only assume that new AD Kevin Anderson has someone in mind. I wouldn't expect the search to last long.

Hopefully, this won't impact recruiting.

Update: Mike Leach is considered to be the leading candidate however, several media outlets are reporting that the Anderson is "noncommittal" on Fridge's future.